Getting Involved with CSAs and Networking Sebrina Campbell- Saint Louis University

Component State Associations (CSAs) What are CSAs? “Local organizations that provide their members with local access to professional education and networking. CSAs also serve as an important forum for communicating national issues and keeping members informed of regional affairs that affect health information management.”- AHIMA 9/2/2011 http://www.ahima.org/about/csa.aspx

Component State Associations (CSAs) Work with current HIM developments on a local level Communication with Regional associations Discuss views and opinions with HIM professionals Host a number of CE events, such as seminars and round table discussions Hold annual meeting which brings together professionals throughout the state

Getting Involved with your CSA Join as a Student Member Discounted membership rate Opportunity to apply for scholarships Provides tools for education Student newsletter as well as the most updated information about the association Networking opportunities RHIA exam reimbursement

Getting Involved with your CSA Volunteer to serve on a committee or project team Volunteer to assist at events Attend annual meeting Attend Student Academy or Student Meeting Attend career fairs

Networking within your CSA Why is networking important? Allows you to establish professional connections and use these connections wisely Makes you known to your field Leads to new opportunities Help develop new ideas for research Constructive criticism Sources for letters of recommendation

Effective Networking Market yourself Know your resume Be Reflective Be Open to Growth Network Deliberately and Informally Build on Relationships Follow up is important